Brassiere



J. L. ALBERTS BRASSIERE Filed June 29, 1950 May 25, 1954 IN VEN TOR.

PENNI E EDMONDS,MORTON 8. BARROWS HIS ATTORNEYS ranged to possessPatented May 25, 1954 ATNT OFFICE 2,679,048 BRASSIIJRE Jacob L. Alberts,Yonkers, N. Y. Application June 29, 1950, Serial No. 171,168

7 Claims.

This invention relates to brassieres, corsets and other like garmentsfor women and has as its object the provision of an improvedconstruction which will give better and more natural support to the bustof the wearer and which will provide greater comfort and convenience inuse.

In accordance with the invention a bust supporting garment for womencomprising a band of soft flexible material adapted to encircle thewearers body and having a pair of outwardly extending, generallyconical, recesses or pockets at the front to receive the wearersbreasts, together with shoulder straps extending upwardly of saidrecesses at the front, is characterised in that each of said recesses isformed of two superposed layers of material which are united by seamingalong their lower edges and at each side of the recess, the inner layerbeing provided with an opening opposite said central or apex region ofthe recess and being connected at an upper point to the associatedshoulder strap, and the outer layer having a connection between an upperpoint thereof and said shoulder strap and arbetween said shoulder strapand the portions substantially in horizontal alignment with the centreof said recess or pocket a degree of upward resilient extensibilitymaterially greater than that of the adjacent portion of the inner layer.

The inner and outer layers are conveniently each formed of materialwhich is substantially inextensible in an upward direction and with theupper point of the outer layer connected to the shoulder strap by way ofan inserted elastic memher, but in a modified construction only theinner layer is of substantially inextensible material, at least theupper portion of the outer layer being formed of material which isresiliently extensible' in an upward direction, for instance, lace ornet.

In order that the invention may be properly understood a constructionalform thereof, constituting a preferred example typifying but not limitedthe invention, will be described with ref erence to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective inner or rear view;

Fig. 2 is a perspective outer or front view of one form of brassiereconstructed in accordance with the invention;

Fig; 3 is a perspectiveview of the garment as it is worn; V I

Fig. l is a fragmentary view showing a modification; and

Fig. 5 is a front view of a detail.

Referring first to the drawings, the brassiere layers may also besecured together by z comprises a band H! of soft flexible material,adapted to encircle the body of the wearer in the region of the bust.This band consists of two front sections H, 12 and two side sections l3,M, the latter being provided with means in the form of hooked fasteners15 whereby they may be adjustably and detachably interconnected at theback of the wearer. An elastic insert it serves to make the garment fitsnugly.

The sections H and i2 are each formed of two superposed layers of fabricmaterial, an inner layer ll having a substantially elliptical aperture18 therein and an outer unapertured layer Hi. The two sections of outerlayer is are each formed of upper and lower pieces of fabric united by aseam 20. The two fabric pieces of each outer layer l9 are so shaped thatwhen united they form generally conical shaped recesses or pockets forreceiving the breasts of the wearer with the seam 2!! lyingsubstantially horizontally in alignment with the centre or apex of eachrecess. Over those regions where the inner layer the outer layer, thesetwo the stitching of the same seam 2a, although this is not is presentadjacent necessary, as shown in the modified form of Fig. 4.

Shoulder straps 2|, 22, made of relatively inelastic material such asribbon, are secured by their rear ends to the upper edge of the rearextremities of the side sections l3 and I4 respectively. The front endsof these straps are engaged in readily adjustable slide clasps 23, 24-which are anchored directly to the upper corners of the inner layers llof the respective front sections !2, l3.

The upper corner of the outer layer it of each front section is securedto the lower end of a length of elastic tape 25 which is provided at itsupper end with a hook connector 26 adapted for engagement in acomplementary element carried, e. g., at the top of the inner layer I!adjacent the point of attachment of the associated slide clasp. It willbe understood that such comlementary member may, if desired, be carrieddirectly on the lower portion of the shoulder strap.

The material used for both front and side sec-- tions, including bothlayers of such front secto the contour of the wearers body or to impartextensibility to the unapertured layer Hi. If desired however, eitherone-way stretch or two-way stretch material, incorporating tic yarn maybe used if desired.

The general construction of the garment is in accord with usual practicewith the various stitched seams, indicated by small dot lines on thedrawing, covered with suitable tape. Folds or darts may be incorporatedwhere required to give the desired shaping to the article in thecustomary manner.

When the garment is worn, in the manner as shown more particularly inFig. 3, the regions of the front sections H, E? lyin below the generallyhorizontal seam 23, i. e., the lower parts of both inner and outerlayers ll, it, form cradles extending beneath the wearers breasts andserve to lift and support the latter. The necessary upward tension tosupport these cradles is provided from the associated shoulder strap 2:or 22 by means of the downwardly divergent members formed by the partsof the inner layer ii lying above the horizontal line passing throughthe centre of the breast recesses.

By reason of such divergent or forked shaping of these supportin membersno part under tension due to the even 3 pull of the straps overlies thecentre of the breasts, thereby avoiding all undesirable anduncomfortable pressure upon the latter. At the same time such divergentsupporting members are free to adapt themselves to the curvature of thebreasts at the sides of the latter and act to mould the latter to theform of the recesses so as to provide the desired youthful contour tothe wearers figure. When the inner and outer layers are united by seam23, this affords a firmer connection between the divergent parts ofinner layer 5? and the outer layer of the cradle portion. W hen seam 28is omitted the lift is transmitted by frictional engagement between thetwo layers of the cradle portion, these being held in close engagementby the side pull of side sections [3 and M.

The upper pieces of the outer layers is of the front sections ll, l2 actgenerally as cover portions only and the resilient extensibilityimparted thereto by the elastic tape connections 25 is materiallygreater than that of th downwardly divergent portions of the inner layerH and the resultant tension in the outer layer material such as willprovide no more than smooth conformity with the contour of the wearersbody. In the embodiment shown, which is designed for maternity use, suchcover portions are readily detachable but for ordinary use they may bepermanently secured in place.

It will be understood that, if desired, the material used for the outerfabric layer l9 of each front section or pocket ll, I73 may be ofreadily and resiliently ostensible material such as lace or net ormaterial cut on the bias or a fabric incorporating elastic yarn. Suchyarn may, for example, be at least in part of rubber or other materialin itself extensible or stretchable. In such circumstances the provisionof an elastic tape connection such as that shown at 25 in Figs. 14 maybe unnecessary. Also, if desired, only the upper half of the outer layermay be made of such upwardly extensible material, the lower half beingformed of substantially nonextensible material serving to enhance thefirmness of the cradle thus provided for the breasts of the wearer.

Unapertured layer 55 is united with its corresponding side section (isor M) throughout the full length of a seam l9a extending from thebotelasn do iii

tom to the top of the side of the pocket. Apertured layer ll enters intothis seam at the lower part of the seam and extends upwardly thereinless than the entire length of the seam. In the embodiment shown, whichis intended primarily for post-natal maternity use, and in which theapertured layer is also the inner layer, the nursing mother is able topeel down, not only the upper portion of the unapertured layer {9, butalso the adjacent side sections (it, is) as well. This is highlyregarded by physicians and obstetricians and by pediatriciansparticularly, who claim the mere exposure of the nipple for nursing isnot enough, but that the largest possible area of breast should beexposed in nursin for the infant to nuzzle, as an aid to both lactationand digestion.

When desired, a removable shield member 21, shown in Fig. 5 and inoutline in Fig. 1, may be included in the garment. Shield 2? ispreferably moisture proof or moisture resistant and may be made, e. g.,of two layers of material, an inner layer 32 of soft fabric and an outerlayer 3| of flexible water-repellent plastic such as Vinylite. Theshield is pro-formed to fit smoothly within each of the recesses of theb-rassiere, as shown in Fig. l, and is inserted between the inner andouter layers of material forming these recesses.

Shield is held in position largely by friction and prevented fromshifting by means of a suitable device such as a snap fastener 28, oneelement of which mounted on a short tab 29 and the other on the lowermargin of the shield. The lower edge of shield 23 conforms in shapeapproximately to that of the seaming along the lower edges of therecesses so that the shield is based against such seaming and preventedfrom turning or shifting about its pivot connection formed by fastener28. Tab 29 and its por tion of fastener '23 is positioned just above theseaming referred to and within the elliptical aperture is so that theelements of fastener 28 increase the thickness of the garment verylittle, if at all. The shield curves upward from its base reaching itsmaximum height above the apex or center of the recess and below the topof aperture :8.

It will be understood that the improved construction can be incorporatedin bathing suits, playsuits, slips, corselets, and other garments aswell as in brassieres and corsets.

It will also be understood that changes other than those referred toabove may be made in the construction of the garment, and that it isapplicants intention to cover all changes and modifications of thedisclosure which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scopeof the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my saidinvention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare thatwhat I claim is:

l. A bust supporting garment for women comprising a band of softflexible material adapted to encircle the wearers body and having a pairof outwardly extending, generally conical pockets at the front toreceive the wearers breasts, together with a pair of shoulder strapsextending upwardly of said pockets, and wherein each of said pockets isformed of two superposed layers of material which are united by seamingalong the lower edge of the pocket, the inner layer being provided withan opening opposite the apex region of the pocket and being joined at anupper point to a shoulder strap, the outer layer having a connectionbetween an upper point thereof and substantially the point of unionbetween said inner layer and said shoulder strap, characterized in thatsaid outer layer above the portions thereof substantially in horizontalalignment with the Center of said pocket is arranged to possess a degreeof upward resilient extensibility greater than that of the adjacentportions of the inner layer, the said outer layer being united. with itscorresponding side section throughout the full length of a seamextending from the bottom to the top of the side of the pocket and thesaid inner layer entering into such seam at the lower part thereof andextending from its bottom upwardly therein to a point substantially inhorizontal alignment with the center of said pocket,

whereby the inner and outer layers are free to move and adjustthemselves relatively to each other, and whereby said shoulder strapsare caused to lift and shape the breasts free from the circumferentialpull of the band around the body with resultant absence of frontalpressure on the breasts and decrease of pressure on the shoulders.

2. A bust supporting garment for women comprising a band of softflexible material adapted to encircle the wearers body and having a pairof outwardly extending generally conical pockets at the front to receivethe wearers breasts, shoulder straps extending upwardly of said pockets,each of said pockets being formed of two superposed layers of material,one an apertured lifting layer and the other an unapertured layer, saidlayers being united by seaming along the lower edge of the pocket, theapertured layer being provided with an opening opposite the apex regionof the pocket and being joined at an upper point to a shoulder strap,the said unapertured layer being united with its corresponding sidesection throughout the full length of a seam extending from the bottomto the top of the side of the pocket and the said apertured layerentering into such seam at the lower part thereof and extending from thebottom of the pocket upwardly therein to a height below the level of theapex of the pocket, the unapertured layer having an extensibleconnection between that portion of the garment which is substantially inhorizontal alignment with the center of said pocket and that part of thegarment subr stantially at the point of union between said aperturedlayer and said shoulder stray, whereby the apertured and unaperturedlayers are free to move and adjust themselves relatively to each other,and whereby said shoulder straps are caused to lift and shape thebreasts free from the circumferential pull of the band around the bodywith the resultant absence of frontal pressure on the breasts anddecrease of pressure on the shoulders the upper portion of thunapertured layer being detachably connected to the remainder of thegarment so that it and the upper portion of the corresponding sidesection may be turned down to expose the breast for nursing purposes.

3. A bust supporting grament as claimed in claim 2 wherein a cup-shapedshield member is provided for each of said pockets and is removablypositioned between said apertured and unapertured layers, the upper edgeof said member lying above the apex region of the pocket and the loweredge abutting said seaming along the lower edge of said pocket, a singleremovable connection therefor being disposed centrally of the lower edgeof the shield and adjacent said lower seamin within said opening in theapertured layer.

4. A bust supporting garment as claimed in claim 2 wherein theunapertured layers are disposed on the outside of the pockets.

5. A bust supporting garment for women comprising a band of softflexible material adapted to encircle the wearers body and having a pairor" outwardly-extending, generally-conical pockets at the front toreceive the wearers breasts, together with shoulder straps extendingupwardly from said pockets, characterized-in that each of said pocketsis formed of two superposed layers of material, one an apertured liftinglayer and the other an unapertured layer, both of said layers being ofmaterial which is substantially inextensible in upward direction and thelayers being united. by seaming along the lower edge of the pocket andat the outer side of each of the pockets, the apertured layer having anopening opposite the apex region of the pocket and being joined atanupper point to a shoulder strap, the unapertured layer having anelastic connection between an upper point thereof and substantially thepoint of union between said apertured layer and said shoulder strap,said unapertured layer above the horizontal plane passing through theapex of the pocket having greater upward resilient extensibility thanthe adjacent portion of the apertured layer, said unapertured layerbeing united with its corresponding side section throughout the fulllength of the seam extending from the bottom to the top of the side ofthe pocket and the lower part of the apertured layer entering into suchseam and extending downwardly therein from a point somewhat below thetop of the seam, whereby the inner and outer layers are free to move andadjust themselves relatively to each other, and whereby said shoulderstraps are caused to lift and shape the breasts free from thecircumferential pull of the band around the body with resultant absenceof frontal pressure on the breasts and decrease of pressure on thehoulder straps.

6. A bust supporting garment for women comprising a band of softflexible material adapted to encircle the wearers body and having a pairof outwardly-extending, generally-conical pockets at the front toreceive the wearers breasts, together with shoulder straps extendingupwardly from said pockets, characterized in that each of said pocketsis formed of two superposed layers of material, one an apertured liftinglayer and the other an unapertured layer, said apertured layer being ofmaterial which is substantially inextensible in an upward direction andat least the upper part of the unapertured layer being of material whichis resiliently extensible in an upward direction, the layers beingunited by seaming along the lower edge of the pocket and at the outerside of each of the pockets, the apertured layer having an openingopposite the apex region of the pocket and being joined at an upwardpoint to a shoulder strap, the unapertured layer having a connectionbetween an upper point thereof and substantially the point of unionbetween said apertured layer and said shoulder strap, said unaperturedlayer being united with its corresponding side section throughout thefull length of the seam extending from the bottom to the top of the sideof the pocket and the lower part of the apertured layer entering intosuch seam and extending downwardly therein from a point somewhat belowthe top of the seam, whereby the inaevaom her and outer layers are freeto move and adjust themselves relatively to each other, and whereby saidshoulder straps are caused to lift and shape the breasts free from thecircumferential pull of the band around the body with resultant absenceof frontal pressure on the breasts and decrease of pressure on theshoulder straps.

7. A bust supporting garment for women comprising a band of softflexible material adapted to encircle the wearers body and having a,pair of outwardly-extending, generally-conical pockets at the front toreceive the wearers breasts, together with should straps extendingupwardly from said pockets, characterized in that each of said pocketsis formed of two superposed layers of material, one an apertured liftinglayer and the other an unapertured layer, the apertured layer extendingabove the una'pertured layer throughout the front central portion of thegarment and between points lying outwardly of the shoulder straps, bothof said layers being of material which is substantially inextensible inan upward direction and the layers being united by seaming along thelower edge of the pocket and at the outer side of each of the pockets,the apertured layer having an opening opposite the apex region of thepocket and being joined at an upper point to a shoulder strap, theunapertured layer having an elastic connection between an upper pointthereof and. substantially the point of union between said aperturedlayer and said shoulder strap, said unapertured layer above thehorizontal plane passing through the apex of the pocket having greaterupward resilient extensibility than the adjacent portion of theapertured layer, said unapertured layer being united with itcorresponding side section throughout the full length of the seamextending from the bottom to the top of the side of the pocket and thelower part of the apertured layer entering into such seam and extendingdownwardly therein from a point somewhat below the top of the seam,whereby the inner and outer layers are free to move and adjustthemselves relatively to each other, and whereby said shoulder strapsare caused to lift and shape the breasts free from the circumferentialpull of the band around the body with resultant absence of frontalpressure on the breasts and decrease of pressure on the shoulder straps.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 2,492,303 Lo Cascio Dec. 27, 1949 2,497,324 Schenkman Feb 14,1950 2,501,860 Becker Mar. 28, 1950 2,508,704 Becker May 23, 1950FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 935,668 France Feb. 9, 1948

